Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,559
Likes: 53
From: The 'Wack, BC, Canada
Bikes: Norco (2), Miyata, Canondale, Soma, Redline
Put it so the writing is out if it's the bike one. Similarly on the middle ring. Any stampings should face out.
Also if there are any shifting aid pins the larger part should face inwards on the big and middle rings. Do not confuse this with the anti jam pin on the big ring mentioned above.
On the chainring bolt holes if there is a step then the step should face to the outside on the big ring and the inside on the middle ring.
If it's the small ring they usually don't have a shoulder or shift aids to either way is fine.